HomeMy WebLinkAbout013023 Review of the management plan of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary________________________________
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Greetings,
NOAA has published a Notice of Intent <https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-01682> to conduct a management plan review at Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. This action begins
an initial process in which NOAA is asking for public and agency scoping comments to help shape development of an updated sanctuary management plan.
Periodic review of the sanctuary’s management plan ensures that management actions effectively address current and emerging issues and protect sanctuary resources. Public engagement
is central to NOAA’s community-based approach to managing national marine sanctuaries, and agency partnerships and collaborations are critical to meeting sanctuary goals.
The scoping comment period, through April 3, is the first of several opportunities that the public will have to provide input throughout the management plan revision process.
There are three ways to submit scoping comments:
* Electronic Submission:
Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov <http://www.regulations.gov> and enter the docket number NOAA-NOS-2023-0003, click
the "Comment!" icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
* Mail:
NOAA OCNMS
115 E Railroad Ave, Suite 301
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Attn: Management Plan Revision.
* In person or virtually at one of the five public scoping meetings:
1. Date: 2/21/2023, Location: Pacific Beach Elementary School Gymnasium 11 4th St S, Pacific Beach, WA 98571, Time: 5:00-8:00pm
2. Date: 2/22/2023, Location: Rainforest Art Center, 35 N Forks Ave, Forks, WA 98331, Time: 5:00-8:00pm
3. Date: 2/23/2023, Location: Makah Community Gym, 1394 Bayview Ave, Neah Bay, WA 98357, Time: 5:00-8:00pm
4. Date: 2/24/2023, Location: Pirate Union Building Cafeteria, Peninsula College Longhouse, 1502 E Lauridsen Blvd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, Time: 5:00-8:00pm
5. Date: 2/27/2023, Location: VIRTUAL, Time: 5:00pm start (details and link on website)
The management plan revision process, anticipated to take around 2 years for completion, will be conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National
Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). NOAA will also address other statutory and regulatory requirements that may be required pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection
Act, Essential Fish Habitat provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and tribal consultation
responsibilities under Executive Order 13175.
During the scoping period, NOAA is soliciting input on:
* Preliminary priority topics introduced in the Notice of Intent, which include:
* Partnerships and Coordinated Management,
* Changing Ocean Conditions,
* Resource Monitoring and Assessments,
* Compatible Resource Use,
* Wildlife Disturbance,
* Water Quality,
* Introduced Species, and
* Education and Outreach
* Other suggested topics or issues of interest for potential sanctuary management, including potential boundary or other regulatory changes.
NOAA will use the information obtained from scoping to identify priority issues to be included and incorporated into action plans within a Draft Management Plan, and to develop alternatives
to be analyzed in an environmental review under NEPA. Scoping input from your agency is welcomed, invited, and appreciated. Additional information about the management plan revision
process can be found online at: https://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/management/mpr/ <https://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/management/mpr/>
Thank you for your consideration of this notice, and the opportunity to provide comments. Questions may be directed to olympiccoast.mpr@noaa.gov <mailto:olympiccoast.mpr@noaa.gov> .
Best,
Kevin Grant
--
Kevin Grant
Sanctuary Superintendent
Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
Cell: (360) 565-6196
(pronouns: he, him, his)
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